Simple Bacon and Okra Gumbo

This is one recipe for which everyone has their own version. I learned this one from a good friend when I was a young cook, and it's so good I have never varied from it. (And until this dish, I had never liked okra any way but fried!)

You will need 2 lbs. cut okra; 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 lb bacon fried crisp and drained, the bacon drippings, 1 onion diced, salt and pepper and cooked rice.

In the skillet heat 2 tbsp of the bacon drippings (or use corned beef for the bacon and olive oil instead of bacon grease for a healthier recipe). Add the onion and brown, then the can of tomatoes. Cook over medium heat until the tomato juice thickens a bit, add the okra and crumbled bacon. Cook just until okra is tender. (To add a bit of Cajun, mix in 1 lb. of small deveined shrimp when you add the bacon and 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning.) Serve over cooked rice.